If you consider yourself a night owl and or a social butterfly, then a nightclub career may be right up your alley. But remember, just because it’s a fun workplace doesn’t mean you’ll have an easy time on the job – nightclub work is often fast-paced and demanding with plenty of competition from fellow job-seekers and colleagues. Come prepared with a polished image, plenty of personality and an arsenal of relevant skills.

Security

The security staff at nightclubs may include door attendants and bouncers stationed throughout the interior. Door attendants restrict access by managing guest lists, enforcing dress codes and checking identification to ensure patrons are old enough to enter. Inside the nightclub, bouncers are responsible for ensuring staff and client safety. They keep an eye out for patrons who have overindulged, remove rowdy customers harassing the help and break up any fights or arguments that may occur. An attractive appearance and muscular build are often requirements for landing this job.

Cashier

In nightclubs that charge a cover or admission fee, a cashier is in place at the entrance to accept payment. The person in this position is generally speedy, pays attention to detail and can work an electronic cash register and credit card machine efficiently. He may wear a business casual uniform or will dress according to the aesthetic of the club.

Attendants

In some nightclubs, attendants are hired to work to enhance the guest service experience. In clubs located in colder climates, coat check attendants take responsibility for clients’ coats, hats, scarves and umbrellas. Bathroom attendants turn restrooms into a sanctuary offering toiletry items and refreshments while maintaining the cleanliness of the facilities. Generally, these staffers work on a tip basis, and may receive a small additional hourly or nightly wage from the house.

Entertainment

Although digital music has given many nightclub owners the ability to create their own sounds, DJs, musicians and dancers are commonly hired in nightclubs to provide nightly entertainment or to complement the jukebox on weekends and during special events.

Service Staff

The number of service staff necessary depends on the size of the nightclub and the services it offers. Bartenders prepare drinks, serving them to clients at the bar, and giving them to cocktail servers who run the drinks to clients in other parts of the club. In nightclubs that offer food in addition to drinks, additional jobs are created for food prep workers, cooks and wait staff. Cleaning jobs may be divvied among staff members, or additional bussers, dishwashers and housekeeping crews may be hired in larger establishments.

Management

The management staff at a nightclub may consist of an individual or a team of employees. Management responsibilities include advertising, club promotion, booking entertainment, payroll, staffing, inventory control, cash reconciliation, and reporting profits and loss to ownership. Managers are also the go-to contact for smaller tasks like receiving shipments and big ones like accompanying inspectors for insurance claims or government permits.

About the Author

Tricia Chaves began her writing career after working in advertising and promotions for entertainment publisher "The New Times." In 2005, she earned her real-estate salesperson license from the state of Ohio and certification for leasing and property management from the Northeast Ohio Apartment Association. She was certified as a life and weight-loss coach and master practitioner of neuro-linguistic programming in 2011.